Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia Church

Modern cathedral and Dominican Republic's national shrine

Higüey's Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia is a modern cathedral with a distinctive curved roof and serves as a national pilgrimage center for devotees of the Virgin.

Main image

Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia at a Glance#

Address: Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, Higüey, La Altagracia Province, Dominican Republic

About Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia#

The Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia is the principal cathedral and national shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia, located in the city of Higüey in La Altagracia Province, Dominican Republic. It serves as both a cathedral and a major pilgrimage destination for devotees of the Virgin Mary in the country.

The building is known for its modern 20th-century architecture and for housing the revered image of Our Lady of Altagracia that pilgrims come to venerate. It functions as the focal point for large national observances and liturgies associated with the patroness of the Dominican Republic.

The cathedral was constructed in the mid-20th century to provide a prominent shrine and diocesan seat for the region and has since been a central site for national religious celebrations. It remains an active cathedral church and pilgrimage destination.

The basilica-catedral is situated in Higüey, the capital of La Altagracia Province in the eastern Dominican Republic.

  • National shrine: The cathedral is the principal shrine to Our Lady of Altagracia, the patroness of the Dominican Republic, and draws large national pilgrimages.
  • Feast day: Major feast day and pilgrimage activity occur on 21 January each year in honour of Our Lady of Altagracia.

How to Get to Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia#

Higüey is reachable by road from Punta Cana and Santo Domingo; regular buses and taxis operate between the resort areas and the town. The basilica is prominent in Higüey and walkable from local transport hubs.

Tips for Visiting Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia#

  • Attend earlier in the day outside major pilgrimage seasons if seeking quieter reflection.
  • Combine the visit with a trip to nearby beaches and local resorts - the basilica is part of a wider tourist circuit in the region.
  • Respect local devotional customs; the site is an active place of worship and pilgrimage.

Best Time to Visit Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia#

Visit outside the busiest feast days for calmer visits; dry season provides the most comfortable conditions.

High Season
December-April · 22-30°C
Dry months with comfortable sea breezes; pilgrimage activity increases around major feast days.
Shoulder Season
May-June, September-November · 24-32°C
Hotter and more humid, but fewer tourists and easier local travel.

Weather & Climate near Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia#

Climate

Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1383 mm/year), wettest in May.

Air Quality: AQI 52 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryMarchJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 19° - 29° 24° 72 mm some cloud 71% 3.7 m/s 1.5 very high 11.0h
February Excellent 19° - 29° 24° 65 mm mostly sunny 68% 3.9 m/s 1.9 very high 11.4h
March Excellent 20° - 30° 25° 71 mm mostly sunny 65% 4.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
April Excellent 20° - 31° 25° 97 mm some cloud 66% 3.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.4h
May Very Good 22° - 31° 26° 175 mm partly cloudy 71% 3.4 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.9h
June Very Good 22° - 32° 29° 106 mm partly cloudy 74% 3.4 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.1h
July Very Good 23° - 32° 30° 109 mm some cloud 73% 3.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.0h
August Very Good 23° - 32° 30° 134 mm some cloud 73% 3.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.6h
September Very Good 22° - 32° 29° 139 mm some cloud 74% 3.1 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
October Good 22° - 31° 27° 162 mm some cloud 76% 2.9 m/s 1.9 very high 11.6h
November Excellent 21° - 30° 26° 145 mm some cloud 75% 3.4 m/s 1.6 very high 11.2h
December Excellent 20° - 29° 25° 108 mm mostly sunny 73% 3.8 m/s 1.4 high 10.9h